Bulkhead Inflatable Device for Seat Kinematics Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety systems, such as airbags, are inadequate for controlling occupant kinematics during various types of collisions, necessitating the development of a more effective energy absorption mechanism.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermoplastic elastomer-based inflatable device with multiple chambers that deploy from an undeployed to a deployed position, controlling seatback and occupant kinematics by inflating away from the bulkhead, thereby eliminating the need for additional passive restraints like airbags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional airbags are used for occupant protection, then basic impact absorption is provided, but inadequate control of occupant kinematics during various collision types occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable device is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can inflate independently or in combination. Each chamber is positioned to control specific aspects of occupant kinematics, allowing the system to adapt to different collision scenarios by selectively inflating appropriate chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable device with multiple chambers serves multiple functions: it controls frontal impact kinematics, side impact kinematics, and can provide supplemental restraint. The same device structure adapts to various collision types by controlling the inflation sequence and pressure of different chambers, eliminating the need for separate airbag systems for different protection scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple airbags are added to control various collision types, then kinematics control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple chambers that would traditionally require separate airbag assemblies are merged into a single integrated inflatable device. The first, second, and third chambers share common structural support and can be inflated through coordinated inflation, reducing the number of separate components, mounting points, and control systems needed while maintaining the ability to address multiple collision types.
Solution Approach 2:
A single inflatable device with multiple chambers performs the functions of what would traditionally require multiple separate airbags and restraint systems. The device adapts to different collision scenarios through selective chamber inflation, providing universal protection across frontal, side, and supplemental restraint applications without increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If a bulkhead-mounted inflatable device with multiple chambers is used, then occupant kinematics control is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple chambers that can be manufactured as separate components and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized and tested independently before final assembly, and the modular structure facilitates quality control and replacement of individual chambers if needed, offsetting the increased manufacturing complexity through standardized assembly procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The thermoplastic elastomer inflatable device effectively manages occupant kinematics during impacts, providing enhanced safety by controlling movement and reducing the need for additional restraints, while aiding in packaging and deployment characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle may include one or more inflatable devices, deployable during vehicle impacts to absorb energy from occupants of the vehicle during impact. The inflatable device may be a thermoplastic elastomer.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a bulkhead and a seat rotatable to a vehicle-rearward facing direction. The seat includes a seatback having a first side, a second side spaced from the first side, and a rear side. The rear side faces the bulkhead in the away-facing direction. The vehicle includes an inflatable device that is a thermoplastic elastomer. The inflatable device has a middle chamber, a first side chamber, and a second side chamber. The middle chamber is inflatable away from the bulkhead toward the rear side of the seatback in the away-facing direction. The middle chamber is elongated cross-vehicle between the first side and the second side of the seatback. The first side chamber is inflatable vehicle-rearward from the bulkhead along the first side of the seatback in the away-facing position. The second side chamber is inflatable from the bulkhead along the second side of the seatback in the away-facing position.